Patrick Vieira is using Nice as a "stepping stone" for a return to the Premier League, according to former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour.

After just over two years as manager of Major League Soccer outfit New York City the ex-Gunners captain's departure was confirmed on Sunday thus paving the way for him to replace Lucien Favre at the Allianz Riviera.

The move will mark Vieira's first major managerial job in Europe and he already has quite a reputation.

He was contacted by Arsenal in their search for Arsene Wenger's replacement earlier in the summer, but revealed talks were brief and didn't go further than an initial conversation.

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"Their executives met through a process which included a conversation with me but it didn't go any further," he told The Times, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

"I have been allowed to grow as a coach and gain valuable experience. That has helped me become much more clear in my approach, my vision of football.

"A game is there to be won. I want to enjoy myself on the bench, to have a team play football I want to see. To be bold."

Patrick Vieira engrossed in another football match back in 2015. (Image: Getty Images)

As well documented, Unai Emery was appointed as the north London outfit's new head coach, although Parlour hasn't ruled out the possibility of Vieira becoming manager one day especially if he's a success in Ligue 1.

“Patrick, my old team-mate, is going to Nice, which is a good little move for him,” Parlour said on talkSPORT. “It’s lovely down there, beautiful, south of France.

“I think this is a stepping stone. He’s got to do well here though, that’s the most important thing for Patrick.